In this issue of African Health Sciences, we bring you very interesting articles ranging from lymphomas in Tanzania to the pharmacology of several herbal medicines in Ethiopia.
In our lead article, Prof. Kaaya and colleagues describe AIDS and non AIDS related lymphomas in Tanzania. Omuniyi-Esan and others from Ile-Ife Nigeria, describe non-neoplastic disease of the cervix. They report that 82% of the cases were chronic non specific cervicitis while only 12% were chronic cervicitis. We have two interesting articles on the pharmacology of herbal medicine. In their study of the anti-fertility effect of extracts of leaves and roots of Asparagus africanus, Ethiopian researchers found that these leaves and roots may have hormonal properties that impact on reproductive function. Shibeshi and colleagues report the abortifacient effect of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera which might be exploited to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Celestino Obua et al studied the interaction between chloroquine sulfadoxine & pyrimethamine in Ugandan volunteers. They found no significant interaction but established that both chloroquine and sulfadoxine were bioequivalent in Homapak, the Ugandan made fixed-dose formulation. Talk of cholera raises a number of issues and that is what Alajo and colleagues have done in their articles on the problem of cholera and El Nino rains in Uganda.
We have several articles from Nigeria: the pattern of gastrointestinal diseases in Ile-Ife, trauma at a teaching hospital and the acceptability of maxillary major connectors in removal of partial dentures. In his thought provoking article, Adamson Muula describes the nationality and country of origin of training of medical doctors in Malawi. The majority (64) % has qualified abroad. Brain drain is discussed. Uganda paediatricians report on the etiology, risk and outcome of neonatal septicemia in Mulago Hospital.
Perhaps it is appropriate to end my choice with a paper reporting the experience of curriculum developmental and change at Uganda's Makerere Medical School. The authors describe the rational, process and challenges of the introduction of problem based learning into the curricula of different disciplines in the Makerere Medical School. I wish you enjoyable reading.
James K Tumwine
Editor in chief African Health Sciences
References
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